Blog

The Ultimate Guide to Sourcing Materials in Mangalore: My Little Black Book (AKA Where I Actually Shop for Client Projects)

Okay, after 12 years of running around Mangalore for everything from antique wooden pillars to the perfect shade of oxide flooring, I’m finally spilling my secrets. Consider this my personal phone book of who’s who in Mangalore’s interior world – the real deals, not just the fancy showrooms everyone knows about!

The Wood Warriors

Let me tell you about Raju uncle in Bunder (I’m not giving his full number publicly, but DM me if you’re serious). This man has been sourcing wood longer than I’ve been alive, and he can tell teak from jackfruit wood just by smelling it! Last month, he helped me source this gorgeous 100-year-old wooden pillar for a heritage home renovation in Kodialbail.

Pro tip: Visit him early morning, around 7:30 AM. That’s when he’s in the best mood and might even throw in some free wisdom about wood treatment!

Tile Territory

Forget those overpriced showrooms on KS Rao Road (sorry not sorry). Here’s the real deal:

• For Athangudi tiles: There’s this amazing supplier near State Bank (let’s call him K – he’s a bit shy about publicity) who has direct connections in Tamil Nadu. Got my last batch at almost 30% less than showroom prices!
• Traditional Mangalore tiles: The old factory in Kudroli still makes them the best way. Ask for Dinesh – he keeps the good stuff “reserved” for regulars.
• Modern tiles: Okay, I’ll admit, that new showroom near Hampankatta is pretty good, but always bargain! Their “fixed price” magically becomes flexible if you know how to negotiate (hint: go after the 20th of any month when they’re trying to meet targets).

The Hardware Heroes

You know that tiny shop in Car Street? The one that looks like it might fall apart any day? They have better hardware than most fancy stores! I source all my hinges and handles from there. The owner’s son recently joined the business and brought in some amazing modern options too.

Pro tip: They’re closed on Mondays, and don’t even try going during the lunch hour (trust me on this one).

Paint Partners

Here’s a story: Last year, I needed a specific shade of blue for a coastal theme project in Surathkal. The big brands couldn’t match it. Enter Mohammad bhai near Kankanady – this man can mix paint colors like a master chef mixes spices! His shop looks basic, but his color-matching skills are legendary.

Warning: Don’t ask him for “something like this but cheaper.” He takes his paint very seriously!

The Fabric Find

There’s this hidden gem in Mannagudda (sharing location privately – it’s already too crowded!) where I get all my upholstery fabric. The owner travels to Surat personally to select materials. Just last week, I got these amazing water-resistant fabrics perfect for Mangalore’s climate at half the price of branded stores.

Stone Stories

For stone work and granite:

• Best prices: That cluster of shops near Ullal (you know the ones)
• Best quality: There’s a supplier in Manipal who’s worth the drive
• Best for traditional stone: The old market near Kadri (ask for the shop with the blue door)

Inside scoop: Most of the premium shops in the city source from these same places and mark up the prices!

The Lighting Legend

Remember that old electrical shop in Hampankatta? The owner’s daughter has transformed it into this amazing lighting destination. She knows her LEDs better than anyone else in town, and they do custom fixtures too!

Fun fact: She designed those gorgeous courtyard lights at that new restaurant in Valencia (you know which one I’m talking about).

The Glass Guru

For all things glass and mirror, there’s this master craftsman near Kankanady. He’s a bit grumpy (okay, very grumpy), but his work is phenomenal. He did this amazing glass partition for a project in Bejai that looks straight out of an international design magazine.

Insider tip: Never rush him. Ever. The quality is worth the wait!

The Antique Angel

There’s this lady in Attavar (we’ll call her M) who sources antique pieces. Her prices aren’t cheap, but every piece has a story. She found me this 200-year-old door frame that became the centerpiece of a boutique hotel project.

Pro tip: She prefers WhatsApp to calls, and always, always serves the best filter coffee during negotiations!

Money-Saving Secrets

• Most suppliers offer better rates after 4 PM
• Bulk buying? Combine orders with other designers (yes, we have a WhatsApp group!)
• That expensive showroom on KS Rao Road? Their “clearance” sale every quarter is when I stock up
• Always check the godowns in Baikampady before finalizing prices in city showrooms

The Real Talk

Look, I’m probably going to get some angry calls from showroom owners after this post, but hey, good design shouldn’t have to break the bank! These are the real people who’ve helped me deliver beautiful projects while keeping clients happy and budgets intact.

P.S. Some of these contacts are like family now – they’ve bailed me out of countless design emergencies. So if you visit them, mention you read about them here, but please be nice to them!

P.P.S. And no, that antique shop in Attavar doesn’t give discounts just because you brought sweets. I’ve tried! 😉